Walker stole 56 bases while hitting .267 at Class A last season. Also invited was fellow outfielder Trayce Thompson, who led the Carolina League in RBI and home runs.

The Sox also extended invitations to minor league pitchers Carlos Sanchez, Scott Snodgrass and Erik Johnson, all considered top prospects.

Among the players signed from outside the organization and invited to camp was veteran reliever Jeff Gray, who pitched briefly for both the Cubs and Sox. The others were right-handed pitcher Ramon Troncoso, left-hander David Purcey, catcher Bryan Anderson, infielders Josh Bell and Steve Tolleson and outfielder Stefan Gartrell.